Mr Graham Paulse

Mr Graham Paulse is the Head of Department of Local Government in the Western Cape. 

Mr Paulse has extensive working experience in the Public Sector which spans a period of close to 40 years. He has worked in the Department of Education, the Provincial Treasury and is currently heading the Department of Local Government, which is also his area of specialisation. 

Mr Paulse holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Stellenbosch in Economics and Public Administration. In his current role, he leads the Department in supporting and strengthening the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs in order to achieve the departmental vision of ensuring developmental and well-governed Municipalities with integrated, sustainable and empowered communities.

The HOD’s role is to ensure:

• Compliant and accountable municipalities underpinned by good governance;

• Effective intergovernmental relations;

• Effective integrated development planning by all spheres of government that accelerates service delivery within municipal areas;

• Unlocked opportunities for communities through improved access and active community participation;

• Capacitated municipalities who deliver effective services;

• Effective monitoring of local government;

• Well-maintained municipal infrastructure;

• Effective disaster management practices and

• A fully functional department that is accountable for delivering quality services to local government.